Topped Cheesecake Squares Recipe

These tempting bites from our Test Kitchen are sure to steal top billing at any summer meal or social. Let family and friends choose from a warm drizzle of caramel and almonds, a dollop of fresh fruit and jam or a chocolate-dipped strawberry to top off their cheesecake. Each topping takes only three or four ingredients and mere minutes to microwave.

Directions

In a small bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish.

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract.

Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream with remaining sugar and vanilla. Spread over filling; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Just before serving, cut cheesecake into nine squares. Place chocolate strawberries on three cheesecake squares.

For caramel topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over three cheesecake squares. Top with a dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with almonds.

For berry topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine jam and berries. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over remaining squares.Yield: 9 servings.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Originally published as Topped Cheesecake Squares in Simple & Delicious
July/August 2006, p11

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"Delicious recipe. Could not find chocolate crumbs so used Belvita crackers crumbled up which worked fine. Substituted Greek cream cheese/yoghurt blend which worked fine also. Topped with cherry compote and a little drizzle of Chambord. Lots of rave reviews. p.s. Went a little heavy on the vanilla."

"This looks like a nice easy recipe,I love that it uses an 8 inch square pan instead of a springform pan,also I think it could be topped with lots of other things and not just limited to the three toppings shown here."